Frizzy hair occurs when the cuticle, the scaly outer layer of the hair, becomes open and exposed to the environment. This makes hair porous, and it loses moisture to the environment, leaving hair dry and frizzy. By choosing the right hair products, you can keep the cuticle of your hair sealed to fight off frizz.
Moisturizing Conditioner
Damaged hair is more porous and is more likely to be frizzy. To prevent damage to your hair, use a moisturizing and strengthening conditioner. Rich conditioners will deposit moisture into your hair to help prevent frizziness. Many conditioners also contain silicones which will coat your hair to provide a protective barrier which seals the cuticle off from the environment.
Choose conditioners containing both dimethacone (or other chemicals ending in “-one”) and fatty alcohols, like steryl alcohol and cetyl alcohol. These chemicals will condition and protect your hair to prevent frizz.
Alcohol-Free Styling Products
Unlike the fatty alcohols found in conditioners which moisturize your hair, many styling products contain alcohol which evaporates from each hair shaft and contributes to frizz. Hair gels, mouses and other volumizers commonly contain alcohol that will dry hair and lead to frizz.
Choose styling products designed to smooth hair. Check the ingredient list and avoid products containing alcohol, ethanol or isopropyl alcohol. Apply alcohol-free products while hair is still wet and the cuticle is closed. Keeping hair away from alcohol will keep the cuticle closed, which diminishes frizz when hair dries.
Silicone Frizz Serums
Smoothing and frizz-reducing serums are often made with silicone. Look for frizz serums containing ingredients ending in “-one,” as there are several types of silicones. Once applied to the hair, the silicone coats each hair shaft and forms a barrier that prevents the development of frizz. If you heat style your hair, choose a frizz serum with a thermal protection formula, which will protect your hair from styling damage that contributes to frizz.
Apply the silicone serum while your hair is still wet. Distribute the product evenly through your hair, avoiding your roots to avoid making your hair look greasy. From here, you can blow dry your hair and allow it to air dry to get frizz-free, manageable hair.
